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Priti Patel in talks over new migrant system

HOME SECRETARY Priti Patel has revealed the Australian government is advising ministers on plans to introduce a points-based system for migrants after Brexit.

Patel said that the Department of Home Affairs in Canberra was “engaging” with the Home Office over the new proposals.


Patel met Peter Dutton, her Australian counterpart, while both ministers were in the US for talks with Donald Trump’s administration last month. She said: “Peter Dutton is leading a department in Australia that’s only been around for two years.

“But they are engaging with us on the points-style immigration system discussion, something which we will be basing our own future immigration system on, to create a compassionate environment and ensure we allow the brightest and best to come to the UK in the future.”

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homelessness

2.7 per cent of private rented properties in England are affordable for people receiving housing benefit.

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Nearly 300,000 families face worst forms of homelessness in England, research shows

Highlights

  • 299,100 households experienced acute homelessness in 2024, up 21 per cent since 2022.
  • Rough sleeping and unsuitable temporary accommodation cases increased by 150 per cent since 2020.
  • Councils spent £732 m on unsuitable emergency accommodation in 2023/24.


Almost 300,000 families and individuals across England are now experiencing the worst forms of homelessness, including rough sleeping, unsuitable temporary accommodation and living in tents, according to new research from Crisis.

The landmark study, led by Heriot-Watt University, shows that 299,100 households in England experienced acute homelessness in 2024. This represents a 21 per cent increase since 2022, when there were 246,900 households, and a 45 per cent increase since 2012.

More than 15,000 people slept rough last year, while the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation rose from 19,200 in 2020 to 46,700 in 2024. An additional 18,600 households are living in unconventional accommodation such as cars, sheds and tents.

A national survey found 70 per cent of councils have seen increased numbers approaching them for homelessness assistance in the last year. Local authorities in London and Northern England reported the biggest increase.

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